POLICE TRAINING FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

after the high-profile animal abuse case that landed pro-footballer michael vick in jail for his dog-fighting ring, local police will soon receive training in how to spot and effectively enforce animal cruelty laws.

gov. david paterson signed a bill into law that allows the municipal police training council to develop procedures for police to investigate and prevent the illegal injuring and killing of animals. most animal cruelty laws are outside of the penal code and police are not frequently educated or updated on the matter.

"we need to ensure our police officers know what to look for and are adequately equipped to identify signs of animal abuse and neglect," said assembly member linda rosenthal, the bill's sponsor.